It's the middle of the week with the Women's Team from FBC Rogers. It's been a great week and I've been so busy with them, that I haven't had the time to post. I promise to catch up this weekend!
Just know that Jesus is being shared, God is being glorified and many lives are being changed (including ours!).
I'm so thankful that God allows me to be a part of this ministry here in Nicaragua at this time in my life. I couldn't imagine doing anything different!
Check out my Facebook page for updates and photos of what is going on this week. the link is at the top of this page.
Keep praying for the people of Nicaragua and VOH ministry and our teams!
Bendiciones!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
October 18, 2012
This morning I woke up fine. I wake up a lot during the night. I usually wonder where I am because I have moved around so much in the last 2 months. Too many beds to get used to…
I stripped my bed this morning to wash the sheets and have a wonderfully fresh bed for tonight. They were working on the water pump on one of the tanks, so I didn’t get to finish washing them until later, but I did get them put back on the bed before bedtime!
Mary and I went by taxi to La Unión grocery store. We picked up some personal groceries, changed some money and bought phone minutes. It was fun. On the way back to the team house, we stopped at a store and I bought 225 notebooks for us to use at the women’s conference next week. Edwin, our favorite taxi driver helped me load them into the car. I gave him extra money for waiting for me and helping to carry the stuff. He’s a very nice guy.
I had brought back from the states a couple of hats from NYC. I gave one to Alberto and Saturnino. They really liked them.
Saturnino fixed my broken toilet and I was very grateful. He works so hard and I appreciate him so very much!
After lunch of rice mix, Mayela and I met about the changes to the Feeding Centers. Mary sat in on the meeting to know about things, too. The three of us will go tomorrow morning to work on documents at the newest Feeding Center at the old Dump. This one got started right after I left for the states, so I’m anxious to see it in action!
I did some emails and computer work and then left with Mayela to up town. I went to get a haircut from my favorite stylists in Nica. She said that she thought I was out of the country since I hadn’t been in. I told her I just got back Tuesday night and couldn’t wait to see her! I grabbed a taxi home and got settled in for the night.
I got a shower and then put the sheets back on my bed. I had a dinner of baked potato and then a snack of peanut butter and apples. Yum!
I’ve spent the last 4 hours updating over 3 weeks of blog posts. I’m ready to read and go to bed now! But it sure feels good to get caught up!
I’m so thankful to be here and serve God how ever He asks.
What a mighty and powerful and smart and loving and awesome and…. God we serve!
I stripped my bed this morning to wash the sheets and have a wonderfully fresh bed for tonight. They were working on the water pump on one of the tanks, so I didn’t get to finish washing them until later, but I did get them put back on the bed before bedtime!
Mary and I went by taxi to La Unión grocery store. We picked up some personal groceries, changed some money and bought phone minutes. It was fun. On the way back to the team house, we stopped at a store and I bought 225 notebooks for us to use at the women’s conference next week. Edwin, our favorite taxi driver helped me load them into the car. I gave him extra money for waiting for me and helping to carry the stuff. He’s a very nice guy.
I had brought back from the states a couple of hats from NYC. I gave one to Alberto and Saturnino. They really liked them.
Saturnino fixed my broken toilet and I was very grateful. He works so hard and I appreciate him so very much!
After lunch of rice mix, Mayela and I met about the changes to the Feeding Centers. Mary sat in on the meeting to know about things, too. The three of us will go tomorrow morning to work on documents at the newest Feeding Center at the old Dump. This one got started right after I left for the states, so I’m anxious to see it in action!
I did some emails and computer work and then left with Mayela to up town. I went to get a haircut from my favorite stylists in Nica. She said that she thought I was out of the country since I hadn’t been in. I told her I just got back Tuesday night and couldn’t wait to see her! I grabbed a taxi home and got settled in for the night.
I got a shower and then put the sheets back on my bed. I had a dinner of baked potato and then a snack of peanut butter and apples. Yum!
I’ve spent the last 4 hours updating over 3 weeks of blog posts. I’m ready to read and go to bed now! But it sure feels good to get caught up!
I’m so thankful to be here and serve God how ever He asks.
What a mighty and powerful and smart and loving and awesome and…. God we serve!
October 17, 2012
It was great waking up in my Nica room. There aren’t many loud birds in the early mornings right now. Maybe because it’s winter here (hot and rainy). Oh well, it’s nice not to have them waking me up!
After some oatmeal for breakfast and lots of hugs with the workers I settled down to unpacking my suitcases. It didn’t take long at all.
German and all of us had a meeting regarding the women’s team that is coming in next Saturday. Everything looks fine except for not getting to have one of the translators that I had asked for. I’m actually pretty bummed that she was not asked to work with us. I was depending on her to lead worship. But it’s not my decision to make, so we’ll do fine. I can’t wait to see her sometime later, though!
We had lunch of fried chicken (which I had to pass on, but it looked good!), rice and beans. I really enjoyed the rice and beans. We had a lot of fun talking and laughing. It was nice.
I gave the workers the special things that I had brought back for them. I love getting to bless them with things they hope for and it’s easy for me to get them in the states.
I spent some time on the computer working on the women’s trip, helping Oliver with details for the flights for himself and Jaime in November, and various other projects.
I fixed tuna sandwiches from my grocery stash in my room and watched a video on my computer. I actually went to bed at 9pm to read and fall asleep early. What a great day!
After some oatmeal for breakfast and lots of hugs with the workers I settled down to unpacking my suitcases. It didn’t take long at all.
German and all of us had a meeting regarding the women’s team that is coming in next Saturday. Everything looks fine except for not getting to have one of the translators that I had asked for. I’m actually pretty bummed that she was not asked to work with us. I was depending on her to lead worship. But it’s not my decision to make, so we’ll do fine. I can’t wait to see her sometime later, though!
We had lunch of fried chicken (which I had to pass on, but it looked good!), rice and beans. I really enjoyed the rice and beans. We had a lot of fun talking and laughing. It was nice.
I gave the workers the special things that I had brought back for them. I love getting to bless them with things they hope for and it’s easy for me to get them in the states.
I spent some time on the computer working on the women’s trip, helping Oliver with details for the flights for himself and Jaime in November, and various other projects.
I fixed tuna sandwiches from my grocery stash in my room and watched a video on my computer. I actually went to bed at 9pm to read and fall asleep early. What a great day!
October 16, 2012
My morning was nice. Not too rushed. Just finishing up getting ready to spend the next 2 months in Nica. I felt so peaceful. I know it’s all the prayers that are going up for me from new and old friends after GIC. I’m thankful.
I said goodbye to Deanna as she left for Women’s Bible study work day. I packed the car with my luggage and drove to my friend Vickie’s house to pick her up. She had loaned me her car for the 3 weeks I was back in AR. It was such a blessing that I can’t even describe it! We drove to the airport and she let me out. She took a picture of me with all my luggage and put it on facebook. Haha
I got checked in with no problems. Security was fine. I then had a couple of hours before my flight, so I went to a restaurant and had brunch. It was grand.
My flight was fine. There weren’t any people in the exit rows, so the flight attendant let me move to one of those seats. I stretched out my legs and took a little snooze.
I’m flying Delta mostly now and am getting used to the Atlanta airport a little bit more. I had a nice late lunch at TGI Fridays, since I didn’t think I would get much dinner later. I made some phone calls and messed around on facebook and email on my phone.
My flight to Managua was fine. The last 30 minutes I met the guy sharing my row. He is from Barcelona and came from visiting his mom in LA to visit his dad in León. We are going to meet up for coffee or something. I want to introduce him to some of my guy friends here and maybe they can start a short time friendship while he is in town. It was fun to meet him anyway.
I got to the airport and there was no one to pick me up. I was a little concerned that maybe they forgot I was coming in. Mary was coming a little bit later on another flight. My Nica phone was not working and all my Nica numbers are in it. I finally got a hold of Mike and we texted back and forth. My ride was on his way and stuck in traffic. I was okay with waiting once I knew they were actually coming to get me. Once Jorge arrived, he put my luggage in the van and then I treated us both to some food while we waited for Mary. She arrived and we left for León.
It was 10:30 León time (11:30 bodyclock time) when we arrived at the team house. By 11pm, Mary and I were both tucked soundly in our rooms. I slept very well in my familiar bed. It felt good to be back.
I’m thankful for all that God does for me and provides for me. He is pretty awesome!
I said goodbye to Deanna as she left for Women’s Bible study work day. I packed the car with my luggage and drove to my friend Vickie’s house to pick her up. She had loaned me her car for the 3 weeks I was back in AR. It was such a blessing that I can’t even describe it! We drove to the airport and she let me out. She took a picture of me with all my luggage and put it on facebook. Haha
I got checked in with no problems. Security was fine. I then had a couple of hours before my flight, so I went to a restaurant and had brunch. It was grand.
My flight was fine. There weren’t any people in the exit rows, so the flight attendant let me move to one of those seats. I stretched out my legs and took a little snooze.
I’m flying Delta mostly now and am getting used to the Atlanta airport a little bit more. I had a nice late lunch at TGI Fridays, since I didn’t think I would get much dinner later. I made some phone calls and messed around on facebook and email on my phone.
My flight to Managua was fine. The last 30 minutes I met the guy sharing my row. He is from Barcelona and came from visiting his mom in LA to visit his dad in León. We are going to meet up for coffee or something. I want to introduce him to some of my guy friends here and maybe they can start a short time friendship while he is in town. It was fun to meet him anyway.
I got to the airport and there was no one to pick me up. I was a little concerned that maybe they forgot I was coming in. Mary was coming a little bit later on another flight. My Nica phone was not working and all my Nica numbers are in it. I finally got a hold of Mike and we texted back and forth. My ride was on his way and stuck in traffic. I was okay with waiting once I knew they were actually coming to get me. Once Jorge arrived, he put my luggage in the van and then I treated us both to some food while we waited for Mary. She arrived and we left for León.
It was 10:30 León time (11:30 bodyclock time) when we arrived at the team house. By 11pm, Mary and I were both tucked soundly in our rooms. I slept very well in my familiar bed. It felt good to be back.
I’m thankful for all that God does for me and provides for me. He is pretty awesome!
October 15, 2012
My last day in Arkansas for a few months. It feels strange to be going back to Nica tomorrow and not be stressed about packing and all the things that go along with leaving my room in order and such. But I had to get many of those things done before GIC started, so I’m ahead of the game. I’m so peaceful about it all that I wonder if I will forget to go to the airport! Haha
I do have errands to run, so I got some laundry caught up (from my week of staying with Cathy during GIC), picked up meds, had lunch (and ran into a friend who God put in my path for a specific project), stopped by SoundArt to buy some musical stuff, Cook’s Health Food Store, Post Office, gas station, Walmart, visit with my friend Donna, Chick-Fil-A for one last lemonade, Walgreens for a flu shot and then home to finish up packing and have rootbeer floats with Deanna.
While in the Walmart Vision Center to visit Donna, I ran into Betty and James Wilson, veteran missionaries from church. Donna was with a customer and I was just sitting at one of the little tables, so I invited them in to sit and visit. Donna joined us when through with her customer and we had a grand time. It was like it was my living room full of friends!
I went to bed late, but happy and ready to be back in Nica.
It’s hard to travel back and forth sometimes, especially if I stay in the states too long. These past 2 months have really been full of events and people. By the time I land in Nica on Tuesday night, I will have been on 10 planes in the last 2 months. That’s a little too many planes and too many days of living out of my suitcases on various excursions! I think I need to slow down a little bit!
I ended my day with a phone call to my dear friend Nana Ruth. She has some major changes going on in her life right now. I wish I could be there to spend more time with her, but I’m where God wants me to be and that’s where Nana Ruth would want me to be.
I’m truly blessed with many friends from all walks of life and different places in my life. They all help to make me the person that I am. I’m thankful to God for every moment and every person. Even though tough moments. He knows me, because He created me. He knows His plans for me. I’m thankful to be His.
I do have errands to run, so I got some laundry caught up (from my week of staying with Cathy during GIC), picked up meds, had lunch (and ran into a friend who God put in my path for a specific project), stopped by SoundArt to buy some musical stuff, Cook’s Health Food Store, Post Office, gas station, Walmart, visit with my friend Donna, Chick-Fil-A for one last lemonade, Walgreens for a flu shot and then home to finish up packing and have rootbeer floats with Deanna.
While in the Walmart Vision Center to visit Donna, I ran into Betty and James Wilson, veteran missionaries from church. Donna was with a customer and I was just sitting at one of the little tables, so I invited them in to sit and visit. Donna joined us when through with her customer and we had a grand time. It was like it was my living room full of friends!
I went to bed late, but happy and ready to be back in Nica.
It’s hard to travel back and forth sometimes, especially if I stay in the states too long. These past 2 months have really been full of events and people. By the time I land in Nica on Tuesday night, I will have been on 10 planes in the last 2 months. That’s a little too many planes and too many days of living out of my suitcases on various excursions! I think I need to slow down a little bit!
I ended my day with a phone call to my dear friend Nana Ruth. She has some major changes going on in her life right now. I wish I could be there to spend more time with her, but I’m where God wants me to be and that’s where Nana Ruth would want me to be.
I’m truly blessed with many friends from all walks of life and different places in my life. They all help to make me the person that I am. I’m thankful to God for every moment and every person. Even though tough moments. He knows me, because He created me. He knows His plans for me. I’m thankful to be His.
October 14, 2012
2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR
Day 5
It’s Sunday and the last day of the conference!
I got up early to pack all my stuff since I would be staying in my room at Deanna’s that evening. I skipped my usual oatmeal and went by McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin as a treat! I got to church about 7:30am and found my first room for speaking. I got to share in an 8am class, worship at 9am, share in the 10:15 and 11am classes, too. It was a long morning, but fun.
Then we had a quick box lunch from a nice restaurant and a debriefing time. Then it was time to pack up my display. My sweet friend, Avis helped me. I felt a great sigh of relief that I had made it through the week. I had started the week on antibiotics and not feeling great. I ended up tired, but refreshed and very happy.
I got to Deanna’s and the ladies were all at a baby shower. The guys were headed to Cabella’s for some outdoor shopping. I laid down on the sofa in the den and caught a quick nap. After everyone returned and their car was packed, I brought my stuff in and got it all put away. I was very tired, but I wanted to have it done before bedtime.
I went to have dinner at my friends, the Janes family. Debbie and Kevin and Richard also joined us. We had very yummy veggie chibatta paninis, blackbean salsa salad, s’mores and apples drizzled with caramel. It was soo good. We spent part of the time sitting outside around the fire pit. I was thinking how peaceful it was to do that and why don’t we do that sometimes in Nica. Then I remembered that the wood is such a valuable commodity for cooking that it would be wasteful to burn it for any other reason. But the fellowship was fun. Miriam gave us a puppet show which was a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood. (Grandma lived in a condo, etc.)
I really enjoyed my time with everyone. I love that family!
I thought back over the past week and I believe that God was truly glorified and praised. I believe that He touched many hearts to ‘go’, ‘send’, ‘support’ and ‘pray’ for missions all over the world.
How wonderful that He allows us to be a part of what He is doing!! We are truly blessed!
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR
Day 5
It’s Sunday and the last day of the conference!
I got up early to pack all my stuff since I would be staying in my room at Deanna’s that evening. I skipped my usual oatmeal and went by McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin as a treat! I got to church about 7:30am and found my first room for speaking. I got to share in an 8am class, worship at 9am, share in the 10:15 and 11am classes, too. It was a long morning, but fun.
Then we had a quick box lunch from a nice restaurant and a debriefing time. Then it was time to pack up my display. My sweet friend, Avis helped me. I felt a great sigh of relief that I had made it through the week. I had started the week on antibiotics and not feeling great. I ended up tired, but refreshed and very happy.
I got to Deanna’s and the ladies were all at a baby shower. The guys were headed to Cabella’s for some outdoor shopping. I laid down on the sofa in the den and caught a quick nap. After everyone returned and their car was packed, I brought my stuff in and got it all put away. I was very tired, but I wanted to have it done before bedtime.
I went to have dinner at my friends, the Janes family. Debbie and Kevin and Richard also joined us. We had very yummy veggie chibatta paninis, blackbean salsa salad, s’mores and apples drizzled with caramel. It was soo good. We spent part of the time sitting outside around the fire pit. I was thinking how peaceful it was to do that and why don’t we do that sometimes in Nica. Then I remembered that the wood is such a valuable commodity for cooking that it would be wasteful to burn it for any other reason. But the fellowship was fun. Miriam gave us a puppet show which was a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood. (Grandma lived in a condo, etc.)
I really enjoyed my time with everyone. I love that family!
I thought back over the past week and I believe that God was truly glorified and praised. I believe that He touched many hearts to ‘go’, ‘send’, ‘support’ and ‘pray’ for missions all over the world.
How wonderful that He allows us to be a part of what He is doing!! We are truly blessed!
October 13, 2012
2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR
Day 4
Another early morning, but good!
9am was the Children’s event for some of the missionaries. It was a hoot. This was for kids grades 1-5. There weren’t too many kids there, but we had a grand time. There was a rally time all together. PJ, the children’s Pastor, had the kids line up in 2 lines and they cheered us on like a football team as our names were called and we ran between the rows of kids to the stage. The kids were very attentive and we had lots of fun.
Then we went to our assigned rooms for the breakout sessions. I taught the kids the ‘sapo’ song. It’s a fun song with motions that the kids in Nica sing about a frog. I used some hand-drawn pictures for prompts and wrote the Spanish words for those items (Mr frog, Mrs frog, river, green, friend, Jesus) on the board. We all did the song a few times, getting fast and faster. It was fun. Then I had copied some pages with all the icons and Spanish words on them for the kids to take home as coloring sheets. We had 4 rotations of kids. Some asked some great questions. One boy asked about toys and games that the Nica kids play with. I explained that they mostly play with sticks, rocks, play tag and climb trees. He then commented “imagine a world without electronics!!” It was funny. The kids were great.
We ended the kid’s event with another rally. They called all the missionaries up on the stage. Then we played a game called “will it float?”. There was a video that showed various items and we had to guess if they would float in a pool or not. The kids got to coach us on the answers. If the answer was yes, we were to stand on the left side of the stage. If the answer was no, we stood on the right side. It was crazy. One item was a sealed bag of pancake mix. It floated. The next was a big bag of dog food. It floated. The last was a giant jar of pickles. It sank. I got 2 of three right. It really was fun. We all left feeling good from laughing.
Next was the Women’s luncheon. I had worn a colorful skirt and bright top with a necklace and bracelet made form painted coconut shells for the kid’s event. I went ahead and wore it to the luncheon. Everyone loved it. They asked if I wore it in Nica. I told them that mostly I wear capris and tank tops in Nica. Haha
The Women’s luncheon was lovely. We had taco salad and I really enjoyed it. A trio sang a beautiful song. Lisa (Pastor’s wife) interviewed Esther (from India) and it was a very moving talk. Esther sang a beautiful country gospel song and we couldn’t believe it was her voice. She sounded COUNTRY! It was sweet.
I then changed into jeans and went to run a couple more errands and then visted Nana Ruth for a little bit. It was heavenly to lay on her sofa and chat!
Then it was back to the church for a potluck dinner with a couple of classes. I only knew a few people in the group so it was nice to meet new people. We had a nice discussion. They all gathered around me and prayed for me. One lady prayed Romans 10:15 (how beautiful are the feet that bring the Good News). Afterward, I told her that I have that scripture reference tattooed on my ankle. We thought that was special. It made a special bond for us.
I got back to Cathy’s house before her group was finished, so I sat in and listened to the Hurley’s talk about their work with For All Mankind Ministry in Dubai and India. It was raining hard, but slowed down before everyone had to leave. We found out later that there was a F1 tornado hit on the other side of town that evening. I was glad to have gotten back to Cathy’s instead of driving through it.
I was ready for bed and couldn’t believe that there was just one more day of the conference left. I also couldn’t believe that I would be leaving for Nica within a few days. I was all out of whack on my timing. God had allowed me to be so peaceful that I was afraid that I was forgetting something! Haha
Another peaceful night. God is gracious!
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR
Day 4
Another early morning, but good!
9am was the Children’s event for some of the missionaries. It was a hoot. This was for kids grades 1-5. There weren’t too many kids there, but we had a grand time. There was a rally time all together. PJ, the children’s Pastor, had the kids line up in 2 lines and they cheered us on like a football team as our names were called and we ran between the rows of kids to the stage. The kids were very attentive and we had lots of fun.
Then we went to our assigned rooms for the breakout sessions. I taught the kids the ‘sapo’ song. It’s a fun song with motions that the kids in Nica sing about a frog. I used some hand-drawn pictures for prompts and wrote the Spanish words for those items (Mr frog, Mrs frog, river, green, friend, Jesus) on the board. We all did the song a few times, getting fast and faster. It was fun. Then I had copied some pages with all the icons and Spanish words on them for the kids to take home as coloring sheets. We had 4 rotations of kids. Some asked some great questions. One boy asked about toys and games that the Nica kids play with. I explained that they mostly play with sticks, rocks, play tag and climb trees. He then commented “imagine a world without electronics!!” It was funny. The kids were great.
We ended the kid’s event with another rally. They called all the missionaries up on the stage. Then we played a game called “will it float?”. There was a video that showed various items and we had to guess if they would float in a pool or not. The kids got to coach us on the answers. If the answer was yes, we were to stand on the left side of the stage. If the answer was no, we stood on the right side. It was crazy. One item was a sealed bag of pancake mix. It floated. The next was a big bag of dog food. It floated. The last was a giant jar of pickles. It sank. I got 2 of three right. It really was fun. We all left feeling good from laughing.
Next was the Women’s luncheon. I had worn a colorful skirt and bright top with a necklace and bracelet made form painted coconut shells for the kid’s event. I went ahead and wore it to the luncheon. Everyone loved it. They asked if I wore it in Nica. I told them that mostly I wear capris and tank tops in Nica. Haha
The Women’s luncheon was lovely. We had taco salad and I really enjoyed it. A trio sang a beautiful song. Lisa (Pastor’s wife) interviewed Esther (from India) and it was a very moving talk. Esther sang a beautiful country gospel song and we couldn’t believe it was her voice. She sounded COUNTRY! It was sweet.
I then changed into jeans and went to run a couple more errands and then visted Nana Ruth for a little bit. It was heavenly to lay on her sofa and chat!
Then it was back to the church for a potluck dinner with a couple of classes. I only knew a few people in the group so it was nice to meet new people. We had a nice discussion. They all gathered around me and prayed for me. One lady prayed Romans 10:15 (how beautiful are the feet that bring the Good News). Afterward, I told her that I have that scripture reference tattooed on my ankle. We thought that was special. It made a special bond for us.
I got back to Cathy’s house before her group was finished, so I sat in and listened to the Hurley’s talk about their work with For All Mankind Ministry in Dubai and India. It was raining hard, but slowed down before everyone had to leave. We found out later that there was a F1 tornado hit on the other side of town that evening. I was glad to have gotten back to Cathy’s instead of driving through it.
I was ready for bed and couldn’t believe that there was just one more day of the conference left. I also couldn’t believe that I would be leaving for Nica within a few days. I was all out of whack on my timing. God had allowed me to be so peaceful that I was afraid that I was forgetting something! Haha
Another peaceful night. God is gracious!
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